Getting Around Montreal
Montréal is an international destination of choice, easily accessed by land, water and air.
Montreal airport information
Flying into Montréal is easy and convenient thanks to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), which is just about 20 minutes from downtown. The airport is modern, well-organized, and filled with traveler-friendly services. Whether you’re arriving for a business event or a large conference, you’ll find it simple to get from the airport to the city center. Clear signs, helpful staff, and smooth connections make your journey worry-free.
When you land, you can choose how you’d like to travel — taxis and ride shares are available right outside the terminal, or you can catch a direct bus to downtown. Event planners will find that the airport’s easy access makes it a smart choice for guests arriving from other cities or countries.
Travel time: Around 20 minutes to downtown Montréal by taxi or car.
Public transit: The 747 Express Bus runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, connecting the airport to nine stops across downtown in 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Car rentals: Major car rental companies are located in the airport for quick pick-up.
Airport facilities: Free Wi-Fi, business lounges, cafés, restaurants, and currency exchange counters.
Tip for event planners: The airport’s central location makes it ideal for welcoming international attendees or arranging shuttle services to major event venues.
When you land, you can choose how you’d like to travel — taxis and ride shares are available right outside the terminal, or you can catch a direct bus to downtown. Event planners will find that the airport’s easy access makes it a smart choice for guests arriving from other cities or countries.
Travel time: Around 20 minutes to downtown Montréal by taxi or car.
Public transit: The 747 Express Bus runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, connecting the airport to nine stops across downtown in 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Car rentals: Major car rental companies are located in the airport for quick pick-up.
Airport facilities: Free Wi-Fi, business lounges, cafés, restaurants, and currency exchange counters.
Tip for event planners: The airport’s central location makes it ideal for welcoming international attendees or arranging shuttle services to major event venues.
Montreal by bike
Exploring Montréal by bike is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the city. From spring through fall, the city’s bike paths create an incredible network connecting neighborhoods, parks, and event spaces. Montréal is considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America, with smooth paths, easy rentals, and clear safety markings.
Event planners and travelers can use bikes to commute short distances, explore the waterfront, or discover local markets and cafés in between meetings. Whether you bring your own bike or rent one on the go, it’s a great way to experience Montréal like a local.
Bike paths: Over 780 km (480 miles) of well-marked bike lanes and scenic routes.
Rentals: Try the city’s BIXI bike-sharing system—simple, affordable, and accessible at many locations.
Best seasons: Spring, summer, and fall.
Popular routes: Lachine Canal path and Mount Royal Park for beautiful city views.
Tip for event planners: Suggest group bike tours as a fun, team-building activity for attendees.
Event planners and travelers can use bikes to commute short distances, explore the waterfront, or discover local markets and cafés in between meetings. Whether you bring your own bike or rent one on the go, it’s a great way to experience Montréal like a local.
Bike paths: Over 780 km (480 miles) of well-marked bike lanes and scenic routes.
Rentals: Try the city’s BIXI bike-sharing system—simple, affordable, and accessible at many locations.
Best seasons: Spring, summer, and fall.
Popular routes: Lachine Canal path and Mount Royal Park for beautiful city views.
Tip for event planners: Suggest group bike tours as a fun, team-building activity for attendees.
Montreal by public transport
Getting around Montréal is simple with its reliable public transportation system. The city’s metro (subway) and buses cover all major areas, making it easy to reach hotels, event venues, and sightseeing spots. The metro is known for being safe, fast, and easy to navigate. Plus, stations are well-marked and many are connected to shopping centers and attractions.
You can buy tickets from metro stations, convenience stores, or use rechargeable OPUS cards. For event planners, public transit is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for teams or groups traveling together around the city.
Metro system: 4 main lines connecting downtown to top sights, bus terminals, and train stations.
Operating hours: 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (until 1:30 a.m. on Saturdays).
Frequency: Trains run every 3 minutes during rush hour and every 8 minutes at other times.
Fares: Affordable single-ride, day, and weekend passes available.
Tip for visitors: Consider buying a one- or three-day transit pass if you plan to travel frequently between venues or tourist spots.
You can buy tickets from metro stations, convenience stores, or use rechargeable OPUS cards. For event planners, public transit is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for teams or groups traveling together around the city.
Metro system: 4 main lines connecting downtown to top sights, bus terminals, and train stations.
Operating hours: 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (until 1:30 a.m. on Saturdays).
Frequency: Trains run every 3 minutes during rush hour and every 8 minutes at other times.
Fares: Affordable single-ride, day, and weekend passes available.
Tip for visitors: Consider buying a one- or three-day transit pass if you plan to travel frequently between venues or tourist spots.
Montreal by car or taxi
Want to cruise around the city or take a scenic drive? In Montréal, it’s easy to rent a car, use car-share or even treat yourself to a chauffeured limousine service. If you prefer getting around by taxi, it’s easy to flag one down on the street. You’ll also find them at one of the city’s many taxi stands or in front of most major hotels.
Montreal by foot
Whether you're walking through the Old Port, Chinatown, Little Italy or the Plateau-Mont-Royal, you'll be in good local company – Montrealers love to walk. In fact, this safe, healthy and budget-wise mode of transportation is one of the best ways to see the city’s lively neighbourhoods, day and night. From architecture to public art to stylish locals, there’s a lot to see in Montréal! When the weather isn’t inviting, you can still get your exercise by walking through the Underground Pedestrian Network. This practical network includes 33 kilometers of walkways with 2,000 shops, restaurants and services. It connects to some 40 performance venues, theatres and cinemas, not to mention many hotels, attractions and museums.
Montreal Train Information
Traveling to Montréal by train is a great idea for both comfort and convenience. The main train station, Gare Centrale (Central Station), sits right in the heart of downtown and connects directly to major hotels and office towers. It’s also linked to the city’s underground pedestrian network and metro system, so getting around after you arrive is easy.
For event planners hosting meetings or conventions, the station’s central location is a big advantage. Many visitors from Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec City prefer the train because it offers Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and scenic views along the way.
Main station: Gare Centrale (Central Station), located at 895 Rue de la Gauchetière Ouest.
Train services: VIA Rail serves cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec City; Amtrak runs cross-border service from New York City.
Travel times: About 2 hours to Ottawa, 5 hours to Toronto, and 11 hours from New York City.
Connectivity: The station links directly to Bonaventure Metro Station and the Underground City shopping complex.
Tip for travelers: Arriving by train saves time on transfers, as many hotels and event spaces are within walking distance.
For event planners hosting meetings or conventions, the station’s central location is a big advantage. Many visitors from Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec City prefer the train because it offers Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and scenic views along the way.
Main station: Gare Centrale (Central Station), located at 895 Rue de la Gauchetière Ouest.
Train services: VIA Rail serves cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec City; Amtrak runs cross-border service from New York City.
Travel times: About 2 hours to Ottawa, 5 hours to Toronto, and 11 hours from New York City.
Connectivity: The station links directly to Bonaventure Metro Station and the Underground City shopping complex.
Tip for travelers: Arriving by train saves time on transfers, as many hotels and event spaces are within walking distance.
